An example of geological modelling and data manipulation with a microcomputer: Bullmoose Coal Mine, northeastern British Columbia

CIM Bulletin, Vol. 78, No. 878, 1985

WARD E. KILBY, B.C. Ministry of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, Victoria, B.C., BRUCE I. McCLYMONT, Teck-Bullmoose Operating Corporation, Tumbler Ridge, B.C.

Data from the South Fork Pit Area of the Bullmoose deposit in northeastern British Columbia are used to demonstrate the usefulness of microcomputers to the on-site geologist. The technique utilizes a series of digital surfaces in the form of a network of points to define various geologic parameters such as seam positions, topography and coal quality characteristics. Manual digitizing, kriging and combinations of these techniques are used to calculate these digital surfaces, the best method depending upon the type and quality of the data in question. Digital surfaces, each modelling a specific feature when combined and manipulated with the computer form a powerful tool, the deposit model. The resultant model, containing all the surfaces, is used to examine seam and inter-seam thicknesses, deposit volumetrics, seam quality characteristics and the adequacy of sampling.

Keywords: Computer applications, Microcomputers, Geological modelling, Coal mining, Kriging, Bullmoose Coal Mine, Deposit modelling.